February in Costa Rica sounds like a great idea if you are from the North and willing to get away from the cold. Let’s see a bit of the general weather all year round:
If we look at the seasons and the regions, there might be changes from one area to the next. As small as Costa Rica is… it has a complexity in its calendar that can be staggering thinking about its size.
Costa Rica has no seasons, as the temperature changes little from period to period.. and yes, the word is “Period.” However, everyone, including us, calls it seasons.
On the Pacific Coast, Central Valley, Southern areas, and the Central Volcanic Mountain Range, the sunny period goes from December to April, even May. (Our grandparents used to say that if by May 20th it had not rained, it wouldn’t rain at all). And then, of course, vice versa for the rainy season: From May to November.
And in these regions, therefore… yes! Sunny season!
The sunny period is different anywhere in the Caribbean Coast, Turrialba, the West side of the Central and Talamanca Mountain Ranges, Sarapiqui, or Arenal areas. It is in March and April, and in September and October.
Therefore in February, yes! It is rainy season in February.
However, remember the weather in the tropics is unpredictable, and there are Februaries sunny and dry. Although, these are exceptions.
WWe have to realize that the climates and, therefore, the landscapes of Costa Rica vary considerably by sector. The coastal areas are usually hot, and the highlands are ordinarily cooler. The Caribbean Coast and almost all Northern Areas are generally hot and humid. As you travel south on the Pacific coast, moisture levels rise. And when it rains, it pours.
The more humidity and rain there is in a region, the more common exuberant wildlife sightings.
As you can see on the map above, it really depends on where you are to know what the weather is like.
The Pacific Coast, Central Valley, Southern areas and the Central Volcanic Mountain Range, it will be sunny. There might be, ocassionally cold fronts that will create drizzle and lower temperatures (Down to 60’s F – 16°C in the Central Valley)
Anywhere in the Caribbean Coast, Turrialba, the West side of the Central and Talamanca Mountain Ranges, Sarapiqui or Arenal areas: It might be rainy. Although the seasons are changing and might be as sunny and dry as the rest of the country.
You might also be interested in January in Costa Rica
California humpback whales – Dec to April
North Atlantic humpback whales – Dec to March
Best time to see them: Year round. Several species such as bottlenose and spotted dolphins can be seen all year so you have a good chance to see them.
Spinner or common dolphin, December to March
*Some lucky people have seen dolphins in the Tortuguero Canals
Best time to see them: All year round: Olive Ridley, Hawksbill, Leatherback and Pacific Green Sea Turtle.
Costa Rica is famous for the birds that live here and the birds that migrate in search of warmer lands.
In this time of year, the 252 migratory bird species are enjoying Costa Rica warm weather and abundance of food
Visible in Monteverde and Savegre in February as other high areas of the mountain ranges. This is the time of year when the quetzals build their nests so, they are quite visible.
The rest of the bird species can be seen all year round… January is no exception.
You may also want to read: Rainforest books and wildlife field guides to enjoy Costa Rica nature
The highest most constant waves from January to March are caused by winter cold fronts pushing into the Caribbean. Salsa Brava at Puerto Viejo is at its largest, most powerful wave of Costa Rica in this time of year.
Although, as you can understand, nature is nature and not an amusement park, sightings are usually a matter of luck, but there are a bunch of animals in Costa Rica you can see all year round like monkeys, sloths, coatimundis, agoutis and more than 600 species of birds, including the six types of toucans and more than 50 species of hummingbirds.
Star Fruits and passion fruits are in season, as well as guavas, strawberries, rambutan, cantaloupes, watermelons, and tamarind.
Sugar Cane season is on, so there might be some huge and heavy sugar cane loaded trucks in some of the roads in the North and Pacific side.
Trees in bloom! Probably one of the most beautiful seasons to see in Costa Rica are blooming. Pink, orange, purple and red are some of the colors you start to see this month all over the place.
These are important dates if you are planning to visit Carara National Park, the Aerial Tram of the Pacific, the Crocodile Safari in Tarcoles River, or Hanging Bridges, Coffee Tour or Monteverde Reserve in the area of Monteverde. As yes, it may be crowded.
Dates of cruises in the Pacific Side are 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 10th, 11th, 13th, 18th, 25th.
As well as regions like Monteverde, Arenal, Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio will have a lot of people around. The tour companies and operators are already prepared for this and in general terms, it is all well organized.
In Manuel Antonio, you will probably have to make a line in the mornings to get in the National Park and in Tortuguero, there might be some waiting time on the boats before getting in the main National Park canals.
Schools are back: Probably the most important event happening is that schools are coming back from “summer vacation” on February 6th.
The first week of February: Fiestas at Perez Zeledón: There is a popular regional fair and party, where there are bullfights (Costa Rican style), carousels, horse parades and other activities in the town of Perez Zeledon, a couple of hours South from San Jose.
If you have any doubts we encourage you to ask our travel consultants about the best times for you to come to Costa Rica. However, certainly, February is a great sunny month!
